Pioneer Pass Campground

About

Pioneer Pass Campground sits at 6,000 feet in the Pinal Mountains of Tonto National Forest, offering free dispersed camping across four distinct areas: Granite, Toll Gate, Wagon Wheel, and Cattle Trap. Each area provides vault toilets and picnic tables with fire rings. Wagon Wheel accommodates larger groups with 4-5 tables in a more open layout, while Cattle Trap is the largest with 8 sites. The campground serves as a base for exploring the surrounding high country. The Bobtail Spring Trail leads to Pinal Peak, and the East Mountain Trail offers additional hiking opportunities. The cooler mountain elevation provides relief from Arizona's desert heat, though winters bring snowfall. This is a primitive, pack-it-out facility with no potable water, trash service, or hookups. Trailers under 16 feet may fit at some sites, but RVs are generally not recommended due to the unpaved access road and limited site sizes. One camp-unit is wheelchair accessible with compacted dirt surfaces.

Directions

From Globe, follow paved Jess Hayes Road to the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/FR 112 and Six-shooter Canyon Road/FR 222. Continue on FR 112 for 2 miles to the junction of FR 55 and FR 112. Stay left and continue on FR 112 (which becomes unpaved) for another 6 miles to the site.